C/KC-97 Stratofreighter

The aircraft shown here are up-close walkarounds of the KC-97L on display at the Air Force Museum in Dayton, as well as the KC-97G and C-97G on display at the Pima Air Museum in Tucson. Also included are photos of the KC-97 while still on active duty with the Arizona ANG in Phoenix during the mid-1970s.

Modeler's Notes:

You'll find very few detail differences between the three aircraft featured here. The KC-97L was nothing more than a KC-97G with engine pods replacing the outboard external fuel tanks. The main detail differences between the KC-97G and KC-97L aircraft in these photos are due to the last owners/missions of these specific aircraft. The KC-97G here was a year newer than this KC-97L, but it was retired straight from the Strategic Air Command. The KC-97L was not only re-engined, but also received the automatic visual alignment system under the forward fuselage to guide pilots on the refueling boom. The Swiss C-97G illustrates the airframe without the extra TACAN antennas, refueling boom/pod, and underwing tanks/engines - a 'clean' Strat. As with any project, check your references for any unique features your particular aircraft subject may have.